A66 Braithwaite to Kentigern Bridge Resurfacing

The brief

With DSD Construction acting as Primary Contractor to National Highways, this scheme involved the resurfacing and reconstruction of both lanes along a 1.5km section of the A66 between Braithwaite and Kentigern Bridge, Cumbria.

Our scope of work on this scheme included:

• Surveys and preconstruction planning prior to project start date.
• Set up of the construction compound and site welfare for all site operatives.
• Management of National Highways’ road marking and traffic. management partners throughout the project to meet the project deadline.
• Programming for all parties and application for the road space possessions.
• Planing out and resurfacing the carriageway to a total depth of 200mm, using AC32 Base Course, AC20 Hardstone Binder, and a 14mm Thin Surface Cource System (TSCS).
• These measures addressed and repaired existing surface cracking and crazing, ensuring a durable and high-quality finish.

Key quantities:

• AC32 Base Course: 1,000 t
• AC20 Hardstone Binder: 450 t
• TSCS Surface Course: 2,000 t

Challenges & successes

Due to this section of the A66 being a main arterial route through the lake district, road closures were not an option, and works therefore had to be completed at night. A 40mph speed limit was established with a convoy system for traffic management – with drivers being held at temporary traffic lights before being safely led through the works by one of our traffic management vehicles.

Due to some of the works being carried out in a residential area, pre-planning was required to ensure public awareness and safety during the project window.

We initially selected a limestone binder but switched to a hardstone binder to accelerate material setting time. This adjustment enabled us to reopen the road sooner each morning, helping us meet the tight time constraints.

With a tight working window due to other planned works on the same network, we completed the project two days ahead of schedule.

Outputs & Benefits

Health & Safety: There were zero reportable incidents, resulting in DSD Construction achieving an ‘excellent’ safety rating.

Snag-free Completion: Upon completion, the project was walked through with the client, and no snags were identified.